Pattison's Patisserie Mosman

Pattison's Patisserie Mosman is a bakery and café, and the Mosman shop has built a name for friendly service as much as for what's in the cabinet. People who drop in regularly will tell you the team looks after its locals, and one customer talked about being served after the shutters were partly down, which says plenty about the attitude behind the counter. Nita gets a particular shout-out from the morning coffee crowd.

On the baking side, the shop is known for pies, with sourdough bread, baps rolls and French-inspired pastries rounding out the offering. The custard tarts come up a lot, including a French vanilla version that has people struggling to choose. We've also heard good things about the raspberry brioche, the cinnamon bun, the lemon yoghurt teacake, the creme brûlée and the caramel slice. For something savoury, sausage rolls and cheese straws are regular favourites, and the cakes are always fresh and beautiful, with enough variety that first-timers get a patient run-through of what's on offer.

Custom cake orders are a real part of the business. One local ordered a caramel cheesecake for a birthday after a chat with Emma, and another had an apple cinnamon tart for a family celebration. The coffee gets its own following, with a mention of the milk being smooth and well textured, and tradies grabbing rounds for a whole jobsite. Eat in at a bright, clean café, take away, or have it delivered.

One visitor found the counter service dismissive, though the pastry itself was well made. That sits against a lot of warmth from everyone else.

The Mosman shop is part of a wider New South Wales network, and the website describes the style as French-inspired pastries and handcrafted breads, with Peter Pattison bringing 30 years as a pastry chef. It's open seven days, with early starts on weekdays, though it's worth checking hours before you head in. There's free street parking nearby, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible. Cards and tap payments are accepted.